CCLEC – Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council – International Customs Organization

Capacity Building

Continually strengthening our human and physical capital through strategic planning and sustained training.

Information Technology

Realizing the vision of a highly networked Customs through the implementation of modern ICT solutions.

Border Protection

Promoting compliance to enhance global trade and travel through enhanced border security initiatives

Facilitation

Facilitating fairness and transparency through systematic and standardized controls.

PS CCLEC Statement on the Slaying of Nigel Christian – Antiguan Customs and Excise Officer 10th July 2020

NewsBy Amory Frederick July 16, 2020

The Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council laments the abduction July 10^th 2020 and subsequent slaying of Antiguan Customs and Excise Officer Nigel Christian. The brazen and brutal manner of his abduction and killing has left the Antiguan, Caribbean and International Customs community in shock.

We unitedly condemn his slaying and are confident that the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and its National Security establishment will employ all professional means, leaving no stone unturned, in exposing the perpetrators, their motive for this act in order to bring those responsible to justice.

This shows the level of risks that Customs, Police and other public officers are exposed to in serving the state and the public. Officers are encouraged to continue performing their duties fairly, with integrity, without favour or fear for the welfare of their nation.

We express our deepest condolences and pray for the consolation of his immediate family, relatives and Customs colleagues.

Jun292020

CUSTOMS SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS – We are Hiring

ClassifiedBy Aaron Smith June 29, 2020

THE CARIBBEAN CUSTOMS LAW ENFORCEMENT COUNCIL (CCLEC)

SHORT TERM OPENINGS

CUSTOMS SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS

The ongoing increase in the volume of international trade means that Customs administrations need to adopt ever more sophisticated methods to facilitate legitimate trade and tackle the illicit flow of goods across frontiers. The application of new controls brings with it the need for better training of Customs staff. This is particularly true in the enforcement area, where the facilitation of international trade through more simplified procedures requires the development of specialist skills to prevent, detect and deter fraudulent abuses and manipulation of Customs controls.

The CCLEC is looking to engage three course writers to develop advanced online modules in the following subjects:

Risk Management (to examine Risk Management Principles and Practices with a view to its practical application in a small island state)
Valuation (to assist countries to implement and administer domestic Customs valuation programs that addresses local needs and meet international standards)
Trade Agreements and Rules of Origin (to examine trade agreements/ROO and practical areas as it relates to the region)
Classification (to develop the skills of officers in identifying the proper classification of goods under the Harmonized Coding System (HS) using more complex analytical exercises, WCO and national rulings, expert and manufacturers product descriptions, lab analysis, among other methods)

CCLEC recognizes the need for specialized training in the different Customs disciplines and the aim of these advanced modules is to meet those needs.

Mar62020

CCLEC’s Support to Regional Customs Departments Regarding the Coronavirus Threat

GeneralBy Elvira Samuel March 6, 2020

The Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC) continues to monitor regional and International Organization’s status reports, national policy statements and preparations to manage the Coronavirus outbreak already plaguing several countries worldwide.

Customs, Immigration, Health and Quarantine officers, Ports Authority workers, passengers, crew and all persons interacting at Ports have legitimate reasons to be concerned about their health and safety in view of the Coronavirus threat to the Caribbean Community.

Permanent Secretary of the CCLEC, Albert Sandy, in an advisory to Heads of Customs and Excise Departments on Monday, March 2^ndexpressed confidence in the ability of the SailClear/RCS2019 vessel processing System to assist Customs, Immigration and Port Health officers in managing the coronavirus threat to Caribbean states. The SailClear/RCS 2019 System which is already in use by Caribbean Customs administrations, from Bermuda to the ABC Islands, is a live, online administrative tool that receives, prearrival notifications from pleasure yachts and other small vessels arriving from any port in the world, intending to visit any Caribbean Port(s). That information received in advance by Customs is used to assess the vessels, crew and luggage before arrival or departure, enabling Customs, immigration or other authorities (using the Customs and health declaration) to determine how to treat the vessels and their occupants. It also serves as a facilitation tool to expedite the vessel clearance process, without the need of masters and crew presenting handwritten declarations to Customs and Immigration authorities.

Feb182020

Visit of WCO Secretary General to St Lucia

NewsBy Elvira Samuel February 18, 2020

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, visited St. Lucia from the 12th to 14th February 2020. During his stay the Secretary General made official visits to the Acting Comptroller of Customs and Excise, Mrs. Anita Montoute and her staff, the Government of St. Lucia and the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council.

The welcome meeting, hosted by the Customs Comptroller and Ministry of Finance, was attended by the Comptroller of Customs, Minister of Commerce and Trade, Hon. Bradley Felix, Deputy PS Finance, Acting Commissioner of Police Milton Desir, Permanent Secretary of CCLEC, Mr. Albert Sandy, administrators and staff of the Inland Revenue Department, Customs and Excise Administrators and staff and other invited guests.

Acting Comptroller of Customs Montoute welcomed Dr. Mikuryia, expressing her thanks for his consideration of St. Lucia for such an important visit. She mentioned various conventions signed, which are being actively enforced by St Lucia, such as the Montreal Protocol on ODS substances, the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and the WCO Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC). She mentioned that the St. Lucia Customs and Excise Department continues to collaborate with the WCO and CCLEC to build the capacity of its staff to increase their abilities to facilitate trade through risk management principles and practices while ensuring the control of restricted and prohibited goods and contraband.

The Permanent Secretary of CCLEC welcomed the Secretary General and expressed his thanks to the WCO for the collaboration in Capacity Building, Trade Facilitation among other areas. He stated that CCLEC and the WCO have an established MOU between them which will shortly be reviewed and practically deepened. CCLEC’s Joint Intelligence Office is also the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office (RILO) for the WCO.

On the 14th SG Mikuriya visited the CCLEC Secretariat where discussion was held on deepening collaboration between CCLEC and the WCO including the synchronization of their strategies in order to better meet member’s needs. In May 2020 CCLEC, the WCO and CARICOM will jointly stage an STCE training course in the Eastern Caribbean to benefit member administrations.

Dec92019

The Passing of the Former Comptroller of St Kitts & Nevis Customs, Mr Donald Cable

General, NewsBy Elvira Samuel December 9, 2019

On behalf of the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council, I would like to convey sincere condolences to the dear wife, family, friends and Customs fraternity of St. Kitts, Nevis and beyond, on the passing from this life of Mr. Donald Cable, retired Comptroller, of St. Kitts, Nevis Customs and Excise.

Mr. Cable signed the CCLEC MOU in 1994 and during his tenure as Comptroller, his support for the organization remained unflinching and resolute. The entire CCLEC membership benefited tremendously from his vision, practical engagement and personality at our meetings.

He was fully committed to CCLEC’s initiatives, including the successful implementation of the Junior Officer Basic Course in the region, the Regional Airports Anti-Smuggling Initiative in 2000 and in 2001. He welcomed the CCLEC Consultants to implement the Enforcement / Roving Team concept in St. Kitts Customs. This concept continues to be employed with success over the years, a testimony to his vision. His various job portfolios, respect and support from the press and Governments, are testimony to the quality of person he was. A sterling example was he for civil servants to follow.

Please accept our heartfelt sympathy. May he rest in Peace.

Albert V. Sandy

Permanent Secretary

Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council

Nov192019

Cuba Ratifies CCO Treaty

NewsBy Elvira Samuel November 19, 2019

On November 1^st 2019, the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to St. Lucia, His excellency Alejandro Marin, deposited Cuba’s Instrument of Ratification of the Caribbean Customs Organisation (CCO) Treaty at the CCLEC Secretariat. The CCO Treaty was signed by fourteen countries on May 22^nd, 2019 in Havana and will enter into force three months after the date of the deposit of the instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval in accordance with Articles 5 and 60 of the Agreement.

In presenting the instrument, His Excellency Ambassador Marin, thanked the PS, Executive Committee and Council for the efforts to move from an MOU to a Treaty Organization. He noted that Cuba has been a very willing and cooperative partner of the CCLEC from inception.

He said Cuba was very proud to sign the treaty in Havana on 22^nd May 2019 and now the first country to deposit its Instrument of ratification to the PS CCLEC. He reaffirms Cuba’s commitment to the organization and all its members and said that Cuba will continue its work and initiatives according to the Motto of the CCLEC 41^st Conference “Strength through Unity.”

Sep52019

BAHAMAS DEVASTATED BY HURRICANE DORIAN

NewsBy Elvira Samuel September 5, 2019

The Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC) extends its heartfelt condolences to the Government and the people of the Bahamas for the tragic loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Dorian on Sunday 1^st September 2019.

The devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian is still unfolding but images and news from the Bahamas tell a very painful story, one which is becoming too familiar to our region.

Our thoughts and prayers are with our Customs colleagues and the people of Bahamas as they seek to rebuild their homes and lives.

Albert Sandy
PS CCLEC

Aug172019

CUSTOMS SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS

ApplicationsBy Aaron Smith August 17, 2019

THE CARIBBEAN CUSTOMS LAW ENFORCEMENT COUNCIL (CCLEC)

SHORT TERM OPENINGS

CUSTOMS SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS

The Junior Officer Basic (JOB) Course is a Customs induction course for new Customs officers. It was written in 1994 and has been used within regional customs administrations for 25 years. The JOB course content is dated and is in of upgrading. Currently, the JOB course content is available in both hard copy and digital format and has been amended in some cases by administrations to meet their needs.

The eLearning JOB Course project will standardize the course content so that member can access the most relevant and technically accurate material.

The CCLEC eLearning software has been designed to deliver two learning delivery models – The Virtual Classroom and Self-Paced.

Virtual Classroom

Through the use of online spaces, the virtual classroom facilitates live instruction, either one-to-one or for a group. This includes live video and audio streaming capabilities, an interactive whiteboard, file repositories for sharing additional resources and text chat options. Under this model a customs tutor is assigned and has full oversight of students and those enrolled. Through the tools of the platform, they interact and share feedback throughout the course. The instructor also evaluates the performance of students and give needed support.

Self-Paced

The Self-paced model is a student-centred learning approach which provides students with the tools and assets they need in order to learn at their own pace and make choices about the sequence and focus of their learning. Under this model, officers will be given specific access to material designed for self-paced learning as refresher training, onboarding and other orientation exercises as they enter new deployments.

Aug52019

RCS Train-the-Trainer Seminar held in St Lucia

Seminar, TrainingBy Elvira Samuel August 5, 2019

The new Regional Clearance System, RCS2019, will be deployed at the end of August and to support this initiative, the CCLEC convened a train-the-trainer seminar for regional Customs officers in St Lucia from July 29-31, 2019.

The seminar which was jointly sponsored by UKBF/ODA and CCLEC aimed at building local capacity to deliver RCS training. Eighteen officers from the English and Spanish speaking Caribbean were in attendance. In his opening remarks, the CCLEC Permanent Secretary, Mr Albert Sandy, reminded the participants that the system was commissioned by CCLEC members in 2000 because it was recognized then that there was a need to collect data on pleasure vessels plying the region for security purposes. The system however has evolved over the years and now also functions as an administrative tool for facilitating pleasure vessels, crew and passengers visiting the region.

May282019

CCLEC SIGNS TREATY TO ESTABLISH THE CARIBBEAN CUSTOMS ORGANISATION (CCO)

Meetings, NewsBy Aaron Smith May 28, 2019

The CCLEC 41^st Conference was held in Havana, Cuba on May 22-24, 2019 under the theme

‘The Pathway to Success: Strength through Unity’. This event was marked by the historical signing of the treaty which will establish the Caribbean Customs Organization (CCO).

The signing ceremony was attended by high level government officials including, on behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr Menno Snel, Minister for Finance of Taxation and Customs of the Netherlands, Mrs Xiomara Ruiz-Maduro, Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Culture of Aruba, Mr Kenneth Gijsbertha, Minister of Finance of Curacao, and Mr Cornelius de Weever, Minister of Justice of Sint Maarten, who all signed for their respective countries. Ambassador to Cuba, Mr Andrew Brent, signed on behalf of the Bahamas, and Mr Antony Stokes, UK’s Ambassador to Cuba, signed on behalf of Anguilla, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Representatives from Customs, Mr Raju Boddu, Comptroller of Customs for Antigua, Mr Nelson E. Cordovés Reyes, Head of Customs for Cuba, Mr Cesar Zorrilla, Manager of the Technical Deliberative Department of the General Customs Directorate for the Dominican Republic, and Mr Fritz Alcindor, Deputy Director General of Haiti signed on behalf of their respective governments.

After three decades of operating under an MOU, members of the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC) agreed that it was of paramount importance, given the opportunities and challenges presented by technological advancements, to formalize the legal basis for sharing information. The MOU to establish the CCLEC was signed in 1989, an MOU which, although not legally binding, served the organization in meeting its objectives to improve the overall professionalism of its members through cooperation, sharing of best practices, human resource development, modernization, automation, harmonization of processes and procedures and information/intelligence sharing. However, global security challenges, the need for automatic sharing of information and the advent of several new trade arrangements means that the CCLEC’s role will become more complex. To this end, the need for a more robust legally binding mechanism to improve information and intelligence exchange was necessary.

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